BART to discuss higher fares

BART directors are set to discuss a report that proposes higher fares and reduced service to close a growing budget deficit.

The agency faces an estimated $35 million budget gap this year.

"We've frozen all travel except for essential travel. We've frozen all hiring except for essential positions. So, there a lot of things we are doing internally before we start going to our customer. The last thing we want to do is go after the customer for some help," said Linton Johnson, BART spokesman.

Among the options the board will consider are midyear fare increases of as much as 10 percent, raising parking fees at suburban stations and cutting back on weeknight and Sunday service.

BART blames the deficit on the weakening economy and the state diversion of transit funds.